Q: How do I become a certified Max Pulse Technician?
A: We offer free online certification under the Training tab at the top of this page. Once you have successfully passed and completed the certification course, you will be prompted to download your certificate.

Q: Does each device come with a Warranty?
A: Each device comes with a 1-year full warranty on parts and repair. The owner pays shipping costs to TCG.Â TCG pays shipping to owner.

Q: What is a Pulse Wave?
A: A Pulse Wave is when the heart pumps and pushes out blood. When the heart pumps it generates a pulse wave which is a contour wave that travels along the arterial tree. The wave form is generated from the left ventricular chamber of the heart to the big aorta, and is reflected back when the big aorta bifurcates or divides into two arteries.

Q: How long does a typical screening take?
A: The actual test itself takes 3 minutes. However, on average, a screening from start to finish will take 20-30 minutes. The more questions and discussion, the longer the screening takes.Â

Q: Does it hurt, or is it risky?
A: No, it is a completely non-invasive and painless test.

Q: Does it matter which finger/hand you place the finger probe sensor on?
A: No it does not. You can use the left or right hand. We recommend using the index finger from either hand. If someone has a large finger, to ensure that you donâ€™t break the sensor, it is okay to place the sensor on their pinky finger.

Q: What if you get an erratic reading?Â
A: Sometimes a personâ€™s hands may be too cold and the finger sensor is having a difficult time reading the pulse wave. Have them run their hands through some warm water or use a heating device to warm their finger for an accurate reading.

Q: What is the Artifact Beat, and when do I know to retest an individual?
A: The Artifact Beat detects how accurate the data collectionÂ is during the 3-minute screening. This is why it is important to make sure that the individual stays still, doesnâ€™t talk and breathes normally during the three minute scan. Itâ€™s also important that the table or desk that the device is on isnâ€™t being bumped or moved during the actual screening.

An accurate reading will give an Artifact Beat of 4 or less. If the Artifact Beat is 5 or more, one of a couple things needs to be evaluated. Did the person move, breathe irregularly, sit uncomfortably and/or was distracted by outside noises or persons, etc during the screening? If so, have them retested. Other times, it may register on the first sentence, of the second paragraph, on Report 1, that â€śAn abnormal heart beat was detected during the process of this examinationâ€ť. If an abnormal heart beat was detected, then the Artifact Beats of more than 5 are acceptable.

Q: What happens if the Max Pulse device is not working?
A: Make sure all cords are pressed in all the way and power is on to the device. Make sure that you are using the same port, every time, for each screening (If the device is plugged it into a different port than whatâ€™s established on your computer and in the Max Pulse settings, it will not work and youâ€™ll need use the correct port). If that doesnâ€™t work, you may need to uninstall, and then reinstall the software onto your computer. The Training section of this website has specific instructions for troubleshooting.

Q: What are requirements for the examination room when performing the screening?
A: The testing environment should be a comfortable, quiet place with bright light and proper temperature. Preparation testing day should be: During the measurement, do not move or talk, and stay rested, breathing normally. Avoid the test just after exercise and relax 10 minutes in measuring room before taking the test. Ensure the finger monitor is at heart level. Those who have arrhythmia are not recommended for the test. Avoid smoking, drinking caffeinated drinks or drugs 3 hours before taking the test. Avoid alcohol 24 hours before test. Remove nail polish. Place finger sensor on the left index finger. The ideal screening position is having the patient lie down with their hands flat at their sides; however this may not always be ideal with the environment. Therefore, it is acceptable to have a patient sit with feet flat on the floor, legs uncrossed, placing the heart sensor at heart level. Ensure that the patient does not press the sensor too hard against their chest. Also make sure that he patientâ€™s finger is cool to warm (If the finger is cold, use running water or hand warmer to increase the finger temperature and blood flow).

Q: How are the Sympathetic and Parasympathetic readings taken?
A: First, using Frequency Domain Analysis, the three different frequencies of the Autonomic Nervous System are gathered (VLF (Very low frequency) - 0.0033-0.04Hz, LF (low frequency) - 0.04-0.15Hz (Also known as â€śMayerâ€ť waves), and HF (High frequency) - 0.15-0.4Hz (Vagus Nerve)).Â Next, the frequencies are then used to see if they are in the normal ranges by using the following formulas: LF norm = LF / LF + HF - > Sympathetic nerve and HF norm = HF / Lf + HF - > Parasympathetic nerve.Â Finally, depending on the information gathered, a LF:HF ration is determined and then plotted to show how the Sympathetic and Parasympathetic nervous systems are working in conjunction with their norm and each other (normal (balanced) or hyper or hypo to their norms).

Q: Why does the Sympathetic and Parasympathetic system readings vary so much minute to minute? Â
A: The Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) is constantly trying to keep the body in balance. Â As a result, it is very fluid and dynamic. Â The readings are used to tell the patient where they are at that moment. Â In most cases, the patient will explain why the readings are the way they which only reinforces the validity of the test to them.